Method, apparatus, and system for controlling self-optimization switch

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, an apparatus, and a system for controlling a self-optimization switch. By using technical solutions provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, enabling and disabling of self-optimization can be controlled, and a state of the self-optimization switch can be obtained. A technical solution provided in embodiments of the present disclosure is as follows: a method for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: obtaining a target state of a self-optimization switch; and sending a setting command that includes the target state to a managed unit, where the setting command instructs the managed unit to change the state of the self-optimization switch to the target state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/237,134, filed on Sep. 20, 2011, which is a continuation ofInternational Application No. PCT/CN2009/070935, filed on Mar. 20, 2009.All of the afore-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the communications field, and inparticular, to a method, an apparatus, and a system for controlling aself-optimization switch.

BACKGROUND

In an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system, a SON (Self Organizing Network)technology is used. The SON technology integrates expert's experienceand an intelligent technology into an automatic program, and enables thenetwork to automatically collect data, analyze and discover a problem,and perform adjustment. Self-optimization is an instance of the SON.

In some cases, the self-optimization of the SON is expected toautomatically run, automatically optimize network parameters andperformance, and so on; and it is expected that a state of theself-optimization can be known at any time, so that completeself-optimization management can be implemented. In other cases (forexample, in the case of network-wide commissioning and test or when thenetwork runs stably), however, the current state of the network isexpected to be maintained, and the self-optimization of the network isnot expected to be enabled. Even in some special cases (for example,commissioning of some functions of the network), only some of theself-optimization functions of the network are expected to be disabledwithout affecting running of other self-optimization processes.Therefore, to satisfy these actual scenario requirements, the LTE needsto be able to not only provide self-optimization of the network but alsocontrol enabling and disabling of each optimization function.

A 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network management systemintroduces a concept of an integration reference point (IRP). Aninformation model of an interface defined by the IRP includes a managedobject, a network resource model (NRM), and information exchangesemantics. The managed object of the NRM refers to all physical networksand logical networks owned by an operator and nodes (for example,physical devices in an equipment room) connected to those networks. Astandard Interface-N is available between an integration reference pointmanager (IRPManager) and an integration reference point agent(IRPAgent).

Currently, the 3GPP already defines the following IRPs: an Alarm IRP, aBasic CM (basic configuration management) IRP, a Bulk CM (bulk dataconfiguration management) IRP, a Performance Management IRP, a GenericNetwork Resource IRP, a Notification IRP, and an Inventory IRP. TheseIRPs already satisfy most interface requirements and servicerequirements.

However, in the self-optimization management of the SON, the existingIRPs cannot satisfy the requirements for controlling the enabling anddisabling of a self-optimization process, and a state of theself-optimization process cannot be known at any time.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, an apparatus,and a system for controlling a self-optimization switch to controlenabling and disabling of a self-optimization process and know a stateof the self-optimization switch.

To achieve the foregoing objective, embodiments of the disclosure adoptsthe following technical solutions:

A method for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: obtaininga target state of a self-optimization switch; and sending a settingcommand that includes the target state to a managed unit, where thesetting command instructs the managed unit to change a state of theself-optimization switch to the target state.

A method for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: receivinga setting command that is sent by a managing unit and includes a targetstate of a self-optimization switch; and changing a state of theself-optimization switch to the target state according to the settingcommand.

An apparatus for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: anobtaining module, configured to obtain a target state of aself-optimization switch; and a processing module, configured to send asetting command that includes the target state to a managed unit, wherethe setting command instructs the managed unit to change a state of theself-optimization switch to the target state.

An apparatus for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: asetting command receiving module, configured to receive a settingcommand that is sent by a managing unit and includes a target state of aself-optimization switch; and a processing module, configured to changea state of the self-optimization switch to the target state according tothe setting command.

A system for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: a managingunit, configured to obtain a target state of a self-optimization switch,and send a setting command that includes the target state to a managedunit; and the managed unit, configured to receive the setting commandthat is sent by the managing unit and includes the target state of theself-optimization switch, and change a state of the self-optimizationswitch to the target state according to the setting command.

A method for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: sending aquery command to a managed unit, where the query command is aninstruction for obtaining a current state of a self-optimization switch;and receiving the current state of the self-optimization switch returnedfrom the managed unit.

A method for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: receivinga query command sent by a managing unit; obtaining a current state of aself-optimization switch according to the query command; and returningthe current state of the self-optimization switch to the managing unit.

An apparatus for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: asending module, configured to send a query command to a managed unit,where the query command is an instruction for obtaining a current stateof a self-optimization switch; and a receiving module, configured toreceive the current state of the self-optimization switch returned fromthe managed unit.

An apparatus for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: aquery command receiving module, configured to receive a query commandsent by a managing unit; a querying module, configured to obtain acurrent state of a self-optimization switch according to the querycommand; and a sending module, configured to return the current state ofthe self-optimization switch to the managing unit.

A system for controlling a self-optimization switch includes: a managingunit, configured to send a query command to a managed unit, where thequery command is an instruction for obtaining a current state of aself-optimization switch, and receive the current state of theself-optimization switch returned from the managed unit; and the managedunit, configured to receive the query command sent by the managing unit,obtain the current state of the self-optimization switch according tothe query command, and return the current state of the self-optimizationswitch to the managing unit.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, an apparatus,and a system for controlling a self-optimization switch. In embodimentsof the present disclosure, a desired target state of theself-optimization switch is known firstly, and then the state of theself-optimization is changed so that the state of the self-optimizationswitch is the same as the target state. In addition, the current stateof the self-optimization switch may be obtained through a query command.By using the technical solutions provided in embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the state of the self-optimization switch can be controlled.Thereby, enabling or disabling of the self-optimization is controlled,and the state of the self-optimization switch can be known at any time,which satisfies a self-optimization management requirement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a self-optimizationswitch according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a self-optimizationswitch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a self-optimizationswitch according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a self-optimizationswitch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a self-optimizationswitch according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling aself-optimization switch according to a sixth embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling aself-optimization switch according to the sixth embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling aself-optimization switch according to a seventh embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling aself-optimization switch according to the seventh embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system for controlling aself-optimization switch according to an eighth embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system for controlling aself-optimization switch according to a ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Currently, self-optimization fields of the 3GPP include Handover, LoadBalancing, Interference Control, Capacity & Coverage, RACH Optimization(random access channel optimization), and Energy Saving.

To control a self-optimization switch in these self-optimization fields,embodiments of the present disclosure configure a self-optimizationswitch attribute in each field. The mapping relationship is shown inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Value of the Self-Optimization Switch Type of theSelf-Optimization Switch Attribute Handover (HO) self-optimizationTrue/False (True/False) Load Balancing (LB) self-optimization True/FalseInter-Cell Interference Coordination True/False (ICIC) self-optimizationCapacity and Coverage (CC) self- True/False optimization RACHself-optimization True/False Energy Saving (ES) self-optimizationTrue/False

A value of the self-optimization switch attribute in each field may be aBoolean parameter. When the value of the self-optimization switchattribute is True, the self-optimization switch is turned on in thisfield; otherwise the self-optimization switch is turned off in thisfield.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, these parameters are usedto control the self-optimization switch so as to control enabling anddisabling of self-optimization.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a managed unit may be anElement Management System (EMS) or a network device that includes anintegration reference point agent; the managed unit may also be anetwork device managed by a network management system through an EMS. Amanaging unit may be an network management system that includes anintegration reference point manager.

The following describes the method, apparatus, and system forcontrolling a self-optimization switch in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 1, the methodincludes:

101. Obtain a target state of the self-optimization switch, for example,by receiving an instruction that is input by a user and indicates thetarget state of the self-optimization switch.

The instruction input by the user indicates a user-expected state of theself-optimization switch. For example, if the user expects thatself-optimization of a network can be disabled, the target state of theself-optimization switch in the instruction is off.

102. Send a setting command that includes the target state to a managedunit, where the setting command instructs the managed unit to change astate of the self-optimization switch to the target state.

After the setting command that includes the target state of theself-optimization switch is sent to the managed unit, a setting resultreturned from the managed unit is received.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 2, the methodincludes:

201. Receive a setting command that is sent by a managing unit andincludes a target state of the self-optimization switch.

202. Change a state of the self-optimization switch to the target stateaccording to the setting command.

If the target state of the self-optimization switch is off, theself-optimization switch is turned off; if the target state of theself-optimization switch is on, the self-optimization switch is turnedon. After the state of the self-optimization switch is changed to thetarget state, a setting result is returned to the managing unit. If thestate of the self-optimization switch is successfully changed to thetarget state, True is returned to the managing unit; if the state of theself-optimization switch fails to be changed to the target state, Falseis returned to the managing unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a user-desired target state of the self-optimizationswitch is known firstly, and then the state of the self-optimizationswitch is changed so that the state of the self-optimization switch isthe same as the target state. By using the technical solution providedin this embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of theself-optimization switch can be controlled and thereby enabling ordisabling of the self-optimization is controlled, which satisfies aself-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 2

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 3, the methodincludes:

301. Send a query command to a managed unit, where the query command isan instruction for obtaining a current state of the self-optimizationswitch.

302. Receive the current state of the self-optimization switch returnedfrom the managed unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 4, the methodincludes:

401. Receive a query command sent by a managing unit.

402. Obtain a current state of the self-optimization switch according tothe query command.

403. Return the current state of the self-optimization switch to themanaging unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the current state of the self-optimization switch isobtained through a query command. By using the technical solutionprovided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the current stateof the self-optimization switch can be known at any time, whichsatisfies a self-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 3

Before a managing unit sends a setting command to a managed unit, themanaging unit may also query the managed unit for a state of aself-optimization switch; if a state of the self-optimization switch isthe same as a user-desired state, the managing unit may not send thesetting command to the managed unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. The method includes:

1. Obtain a target state of the self-optimization switch, for example,by receiving an instruction that is input by a user and indicates thetarget state of the self-optimization switch.

The instruction input by the user indicates a user-expected state of theself-optimization switch. For example, if the user expects thatself-optimization of a network can be disabled, the target state of theself-optimization switch in the instruction is off.

2. Obtain a current state of the self-optimization switch.

In this embodiment, the method for obtaining the current state of theself-optimization switch may include but is not limited to: sending aquery command to a managed unit, where the query command is aninstruction for obtaining the current state of the self-optimizationswitch; and receiving the current state of the self-optimization switchreturned from the managed unit.

3. If the current state is different from the user-desired state, send asetting command that includes the target state to the managed unit,where the setting command instructs the managed unit to change the stateof the self-optimization switch to the target state.

If the target state of the self-optimization switch is off and thecurrent state of the self-optimization switch is on, a setting commandthat includes information indicating that the target state of theself-optimization switch is off is sent to the managed unit, where thesetting command instructs the managed unit to turn off theself-optimization switch. If the target state of the self-optimizationswitch is on and the current state of the self-optimization switch isoff, a setting command that includes information indicating that thetarget state of the self-optimization switch is on is sent to themanaged unit, where the setting command instructs the managed unit toturn on the self-optimization switch.

If the current state of the self-optimization switch is the same as thetarget state, a setting command that includes the target state of theself-optimization switch does not need to be sent to the managed unit.

After the setting command that includes the target state of theself-optimization switch is sent to the managed unit, a setting resultreturned from the managed unit is received.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. The method includes:

1. Receive a setting command that is sent by a managing unit andincludes a target state of the self-optimization switch.

Before the setting command is received, a query command sent by themanaging unit is also received, and a current state of theself-optimization switch is obtained according to the query command.Then, the current state of the self-optimization switch is retuned tothe managing unit.

2. Change the state of the self-optimization switch to the target stateaccording to the setting command.

If the target state of the self-optimization switch is off, theself-optimization switch is turned off; if the target state of theself-optimization switch is on, the self-optimization switch is turnedon. After the state of the self-optimization switch is changed to thetarget state, a setting result is returned to the managing unit. If thestate of the self-optimization switch is successfully changed to thetarget state, True is returned to the managing unit; if the state of theself-optimization switch fails to be changed to the target state, Falseis returned to the managing unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method, anapparatus, and a system for controlling a self-optimization switch. Inthis embodiment of the present disclosure, the current state of theself-optimization switch is obtained firstly, and then the current stateof the self-optimization switch is compared with the target state inputby the user; if the current state of the self-optimization switch failsto meet the user's requirement, the state of the self-optimizationswitch is changed so that the state of the self-optimization switch isthe same as the target state. By using the technical solution providedin this embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of theself-optimization switch can be known and controlled, and therebyenabling or disabling of the self-optimization is controlled, whichsatisfies a self-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 4

In this embodiment of the present disclosure, a self-optimization IRP isadded in a 3GPP Interface-N, and a related operation on the IRP isdefined to control a self-optimization switch.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 5, the methodincludes:

501. An integration reference point manager sends a query command to anintegration reference point agent.

A user sends a query command to the IRP Agent through the IRP Manager,where the query command is an instruction for obtaining a state of aself-optimization switch supported by a corresponding managed unit. Forexample, in a specific implementation process, a format of the querycommand may be:listSoFuncSwitch(ctrlObjInfomation,optimizationTypeList).

The input parameter ctrlObjInfomation represents a managed unitproviding a self-optimization capability, and a value type may be astring or an enumeration type. A possible value is EM (ElementManagement System), NE instance (one or multiple network elementinstances), and NE TYPE (network element type). The optimizationTypeListis a list of optimization switch types that are owned by the managedunit. A type of each element in the list is optimizationType andindicates an optimization switch type owned by the managed unit.

Specifically, the optimizationType may be an enumeration type. Forexample, LB, ICIC, HO, RACH, CC, and ES may be used to represent loadbalancing self-optimization, inter-cell interference coordinationself-optimization, handover self-optimization, RACH self-optimization,capacity and coverage self-optimization, and energy savingself-optimization respectively.

502. The integration reference point agent returns a current state ofthe self-optimization switch to the integration reference point manager.

After receiving a query command sent by the integration reference pointmanager, the integration reference point agent queries a switch state ina self-optimization field supported by the corresponding managed unit,and returns the queried current state of the self-optimization switchthrough a list of current state information of the self-optimizationswitch owned by the managed unit. For example, return the queriedcurrent state of the self-optimization switch to the integrationreference point manager by outputting a selfOptFuncSwitchList parameter.The selfOptFuncSwitchList is the list of current state information ofthe self-optimization switch owned by the managed unit. Each element inthe list is the managed unit, the self-optimization switch owned by themanaged unit, and a corresponding list of current state values, forexample, (ctrlObjInfomation,List<optimizationType,switch>). If thereturned current state value of the switch is on (For description in anintuitive manner, on is used to replace True and off is used to replaceFalse; the state value may also be directly represented by True andFalse. For example, True may be used to indicate that the switch isturned on, and False may be used to indicate that the switch is turnedoff. Certainly, True may also be used to indicate that the switch isturned off, and False may also be used to indicate that the switch isturned on), the state of the switch is on; if the returned current statevalue of the switch is off, the state of the switch is off.

The following describes several query cases by using some examples:

1. If the integration reference point manager wants to query a state ofan ICIC self-optimization switch on the EM, the format of the querycommand is listSoFuncSwitch(EM,ICIC). If the returned query result is“EM,(ICIC,on)”, the current state of the ICIC self-optimization switchon the EM is on.

2. If the integration reference point manager wants to query states ofan LB self-optimization switch and the ICIC self-optimization switch onan entity network element eNodeB_A, the format of the query command is:listSoFuncSwitch(eNodeB_A,(LB,ICIC)). If the returned query result is“eNodeB_A,(LB, on;ICIC,off)”, the current state of the LBself-optimization switch on the eNodeB_A is on and the current state ofthe ICIC self-optimization switch on the eNodeB_A is off.

3. If the integration reference point manager wants to query the statesof the LB self-optimization switch and the ICIC self-optimization switchon more than two entity network elements, for example, eNodeB_A andeNodeB_B, the format of the query command is:listSoFuncSwitch((eNodeB_A,eNodeB_B),(LB,ICIC)). If the returned queryresult is “eNodeB_A, (LB,on,IC,off); eNodeB_B, (LB,on,ICIC,on)”, thestate of the LB self-optimization switch on the eNodeB_A is on, thestate of the ICIC self-optimization switch on the eNodeB_A is off, andthe states of both the LB self-optimization switch and the ICICself-optimization switch on the eNodeB_B are on.

4. If the integration reference point manager wants to query the statesof the LB self-optimization switch and the ICIC self-optimization switchon a type of network element (for example, an eNodeB type), the formatof the query command is: listSoFuncSwitch(ENBFunction,(LB,ICIC)), andthe returned result includes the states of the LB self-optimizationswitch and the ICIC self-optimization switch on all network elements ofthe eNodeB type. If the returned query result is “eNodeB_A,(LB,on;ICIC,off); eNodeB_B, (LB,on;ICIC,off)”, the state of the LBself-optimization switch on the eNodeB_A is on, the state of the ICICself-optimization switch on the eNodeB_A is off, the state of the LBself-optimization switch on the eNodeB_B is on, and the state of theICIC self-optimization switch on the eNodeB_B is off.

503. The integration reference point manager sends a setting command tothe integration reference point agent, instructing the managed unit tochange the state of the self-optimization switch to the target state.

For example, in a specific implementation process, a format of thesetting command sent by the integration reference point manager is:setSoFuncSwitch(ctrlObjInfomation,optimizationTypeSwitchList), where,the ctrlObjInfomation represents the managed unit providing theself-optimization capability, the optimizationTypeSwitchList is aspecific list of switch parameters, for example, List of<optimizationType,switch>. For details about the parameters, see thedescription about the query command listSoFuncSwitch.

The following describes several setting cases by using some examples:

1. To set the state of the ICIC self-optimization switch on the EM toon, the integration reference point manager sends a setting commandsetSoFuncSwitch(EM,ICIC,off) to the IRP Agent.

2. To set the states of both the ICIC self-optimization switch and a CCself-optimization switch on the network element entity eNodeB_A to on,the integration reference point manager sends a setting commandsetSoFuncSwitch(eNodeB_A,(ICIC,on),(CC,on)) to the IRP Agent.

3. To set the states of both the LB self-optimization switch and the CCself-optimization switch on the network element entities eNodeB_A andeNodeB_B to off, the integration reference point manager sends a settingcommand setSoFuncSwitch((eNodeB_A,eNodeB_B),(LB,off),(CC,off)) to theIRP Agent.

4. To set the states of both an RACH self-optimization switch and an HOself-optimization switch on all the network elements of the ENBFunctiontype to on, the integration reference point manager sends a settingcommand setSoFuncSwitch(ENBFunction,(RACH,on),(HO,on)) to the IRP Agent.

504. The integration reference point agent returns a setting result tothe integration reference point manager.

After receiving the setting command sent by the integration referencepoint manager, the integration reference point agent also needs toreturn the setting result to the integration reference point manager.

If the integration reference point agent successfully sets the state ofthe self-optimization switch to the target state, the integrationreference point agent returns True to the integration reference pointmanager; if the integration reference point agent fails to set the stateof the self-optimization switch to the target state, the integrationreference point agent returns False to the integration reference pointmanager.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. By using the technical solutionprovided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of theself-optimization switch can be known at any time and the state of theself-optimization switch can be controlled. Thereby, enabling ordisabling of the self-optimization is controlled, which satisfies aself-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 5

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch.

In this embodiment, the self-optimization switch is controlled bychanging an NRM on an existing NRM IRP. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a corresponding switch attribute is defined for eachself-optimization field. A value of the switch is Boolean. When theswitch attribute is True, the self-optimization switch is turned on;otherwise, the self-optimization switch is turned off.

Because entities that provide a self-optimization capability may becentralized on an EM, or distributed on each NE, or even concurrentlydistributed on the EM and an NE, a switch control attribute needs to beadded to NRMs on an IRPAgent, the EM, and the NE respectively.

Table 2 is a list of IRPAgent attributes after the switch controlattribute is added.

TABLE 2 Support Read Write Attribute Name Limitation LimitationLimitation iRPAgentId M M — systemDN C M — selfOptHOFuncEnabled CM M MselfOptLBFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptICFuncEnabled CM M MselfOptCCFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptRACHFuncEnabled CM M MselfOptESFuncEnabled CM M M

In Table 2, attributes iRPAgentId and systemDN are existing attributesof an existing IRPAgent NRM, and attributes selfOptHOFuncEnabled,selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled, selfOptCCFuncEnabled,selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabled are newly addedattributes. M means mandatory, CM means mandatory under some conditions,and C means conditional. Taking the selfOptRACHFuncEnabled attribute asan example, the corresponding support limitation is CM, thecorresponding read limitation is M, and the corresponding writelimitation is M, indicating that the on/off state of theselfOptRACHFuncEnabled attribute may be queried and obtained whenself-optimization is supported and that the on/off state of theselfOptRACHFuncEnabled attribute may also be set.

Table 3 is a list of ManagementNode NRM attributes of the EM after theswitch control attribute is added.

TABLE 3 Support Read Write Attribute Name Limitation LimitationLimitation managementNodeId M M — userLabel M M M vendorName M M —userDefinedState M M M locationName M M — swVersion M M —managedElements M M — selfOptHOFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptLBFuncEnabledCM M M selfOptICFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptCCFuncEnabled CM M MselfOptRACHFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptESFuncEnabled CM M M

In Table 3, attributes managementNodeId, userLabel, vendorName,userDefinedState, locationName, swVersion, and managedElements areexisting attributes of an existing ManagementNode NRM, and attributesselfOptHOFuncEnabled, selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled,selfOptCCFuncEnabled, selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabledare newly added attributes.

When the integration reference point agent is distributed on each NE,the switch control attribute needs to be added to the NRMs of each NE.For example, when the integration reference point agent is distributedon a network element which is an eNodeB type, the switch controlattribute needs to be added to the NRM of the eNodeB. Table 4 is a listof ENBFunction NRM attributes of the eNB after the switch controlattribute is added.

TABLE 4 Support Read Write Attribute Name Limitation LimitationLimitation x2BlackList CM M M x2WhiteList CM M M x2HOBlackList CM M MselfOptHOFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptLBFuncEnabled CM M MselfOptICFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptCCFuncEnabled CM M MselfOptRACHFuncEnabled CM M M selfOptESFuncEnabled CM M M

In Table 4, attributes x2BlackList, x2WhiteList, and x2HOBlackList areexisting attributes of an existing ENBFunction NRM, and attributesselfOptHOFuncEnabled, selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled,selfOptCCFuncEnabled, selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabledare newly added attributes.

An existing Basic/Bulk CM IRP already defines how to query an NRMattribute and how to set the attribute. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, an existing Basic/Bulk CMIRP operation may be usedto query and set the state of the self-optimization switch to controlenabling or disabling of the self-optimization.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. By using the technical solutionprovided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of theself-optimization switch can be controlled and known, and the enablingor disabling of the self-optimization can be controlled, which satisfiesa self-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 6

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 6, theapparatus includes an obtaining module 61 and a processing module 62.

The obtaining module 61 is configured to obtain a target state of aself-optimization switch. The processing module 62 is configured to senda setting command that includes the target state to a managed unit,where the setting command instructs the managed unit to change a stateof the self-optimization switch to the target state.

The obtaining module is further configured to obtain a current state ofthe self-optimization switch. In this case, the obtaining moduleincludes a sending unit and a receiving unit.

The sending unit is configured to send a query command to the managedunit, where the query command is an instruction for obtaining thecurrent state of the self-optimization switch. The receiving unit isconfigured to receive the current state of the self-optimization switchreturned from the managed unit.

The receiving unit is further configured to receive a setting resultreturned from the managed unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides another apparatus forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 7, theapparatus includes a setting command receiving module 71 and aprocessing module 72.

The setting command receiving module 71 is configured to receive asetting command that is sent by a managing unit and includes a targetstate of a self-optimization switch. The processing module 72 isconfigured to change a state of the self-optimization switch to thetarget state according to the setting command.

The apparatus further includes a sending module 73 configured to returna setting result to the managing unit.

The apparatus is further configured to report a current state of theself-optimization switch to the managing unit. The apparatus furtherincludes a query command receiving module, a querying module, and asending module.

The query command receiving module is configured to receive a querycommand sent by the managing unit. The querying module is configured toobtain the current state of the self-optimization switch according tothe query command. The sending module is configured to return thecurrent state of the self-optimization switch to the managing unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. By using the technical solutionprovided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the current stateof the self-optimization switch can be known and the state of theself-optimization switch can be controlled, and thereby enabling ordisabling of the self-optimization is controlled, which satisfies aself-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 7

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 8, theapparatus includes a sending module 81 and a receiving module 82.

The sending module 81 is configured to send a query command to a managedunit, where the query command is an instruction for obtaining a currentstate of the self-optimization switch. The receiving module 82 isconfigured to receive the current state of the self-optimization switchreturned from the managed unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides another apparatus forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 9, theapparatus includes a query command receiving module 91, a queryingmodule 92, and a processing module 93.

The query command receiving module 91 is configured to receive a querycommand sent by a managing unit. The querying module 92 is configured toobtain a current state of a self-optimization switch according to thequery command. The sending module 93 is configured to return the currentstate of the self-optimization switch to the managing unit.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the current state of the self-optimization switch isobtained through a query command. By using the technical solutionprovided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the current stateof the self-optimization switch can be known at any time, whichsatisfies a self-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 8

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. As shown in FIG. 10, the systemincludes a managing unit 101 and a managed unit 102.

The managing unit 101 is configured to obtain a target state of aself-optimization switch, and send a setting command that includes thetarget state to the managed unit. The managed unit 102 is configured toreceive the setting command that is sent by the managing unit 101 andincludes the target state of the self-optimization switch, and change astate of the self-optimization switch to the target state according tothe setting command.

The managing unit is further configured to send a query command to themanaged unit, where the query command is an instruction for obtaining acurrent state of the self-optimization switch, and receive the currentstate of the self-optimization switch returned from the managed unit.The managed unit is further configured to receive the query command sentby the managing unit, and return the current state of theself-optimization switch to the managing unit.

After the managing unit sends the setting command to the managed unit,the managing unit is further configured to receive a setting resultreturned from the managed unit. The managed unit is further configuredto return the setting result to the managing unit.

One managing unit may correspond to more than two managed units.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a user-desired target state of the self-optimizationswitch is known firstly, and then the state of the self-optimizationswitch is changed so that the state of the self-optimization switch isthe same as the target state. By using the technical solution providedin this embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of theself-optimization switch can be controlled, and thereby enabling ordisabling of the self-optimization is controlled, which satisfies aself-optimization management requirement.

Embodiment 9

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. The system includes a managingunit 111 and a managed unit 112.

The managing unit 111 is configured to send a query command to themanaged unit, where the query command is an instruction for obtaining acurrent state of a self-optimization switch, and receive the currentstate of the self-optimization switch returned from the managed unit.The managed unit 112 is configured to receive the query command sent bythe managing unit, obtain the current state of the self-optimizationswitch according to the query command, and return the current state ofthe self-optimization switch to the managing unit.

One managing unit may correspond to more than two managed units.

This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system forcontrolling a self-optimization switch. In this embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the current state of the self-optimization switch isobtained through a query command. By using the technical solutionprovided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the current stateof the self-optimization switch can be known at any time, whichsatisfies a self-optimization management requirement.

Based on descriptions of the preceding embodiments, it is understandableto those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may beimplemented by software in addition to a necessary universal hardwareplatform or by hardware only. In most circumstances, the former ispreferred. Based on such understanding, the essence of the technicalsolutions of the present disclosure or contributions to the prior artmay be embodied by a software product. The computer software product isstored in a readable storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a harddisk, or a Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) on a computer, andincorporates several instructions to instruct a computer device, forexample, a personal computer, a server, or a network device, to executethe method provided by each embodiment of the present disclosure.

The preceding descriptions are merely exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, but not intended to limit the protection scope ofthe present disclosure. Any modification or substitution readilyconceivable to those skilled in the art within the scope of thetechnology disclosed by the present disclosure shall fall within theprotection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protectionscope of the present disclosure is subject to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a switch, the methodcomprising: obtaining, by an integration reference point agent(IRPAgent) from an integration reference point manager (IRPManager), atarget state of a first self-optimization function, wherein an attributelist is set on the IRPAgent, and the attribute list comprises switchattributes defined for self-optimization functions, and theself-optimization functions comprise handover, load balancing,interference control, capacity and coverage, random access channeloptimization, and energy saving; and setting, by the IRPAgent, a stateof a switch attribute defined for the first self-optimization functionin the attribute list to the target state to control enabling ordisabling of the first self-optimization function.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the switch attributes defined forself-optimization functions comprise: selfOptHOFuncEnabled,selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled, selfOptCCFuncEnabled,selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabled.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein in response to determining that the stateof the switch attribute is on, the first self-optimization function isenabled, and in response to determining that the state of the switchattribute is off, the first self-optimization function is disabled. 4.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: sending, by theIRPAgent, a setting result to the IRPManager.
 5. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the IRPAgent, a query commandfrom the IRPManager that is used for querying the state of the switchattribute defined for the first self-optimization function; andobtaining, by the IRPAgent, the state of the switch attribute definedfor the first self-optimization function; and returning, by theIRPAgent, the state of the switch attribute defined for the firstself-optimization function to the IRPManager.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, wherein a read limitation corresponding to each switchattribute indicates, for each switch attribute, whether a state of theswitch attribute can be queried, and a write limitation corresponding toeach switch attribute is M, which indicates, for each switch attribute,whether a state of the switch attribute can be set.
 7. A device,comprising: a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, whereinthe non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores an attributelist, and the attribute list comprises switch attributes defined forself-optimization functions, and the self-optimization functionscomprise handover, load balancing, interference control, capacity andcoverage, random access channel optimization, and energy saving; and aprocessor configured to: obtain, from a integration reference pointmanager (IRPManager), a target state of a first self-optimizationfunction; and set a state of a switch attribute defined for the firstself-optimization function in the attribute list to the target state tocontrol enabling or disabling of the first self-optimization function.8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the switch attributesdefined for self-optimization functions comprise: selfOptHOFuncEnabled,selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled, selfOptCCFuncEnabled,selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabled.
 9. The deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein in response to determining that the stateof the switch attribute is on, the first self-optimization function isenabled, and in response to determining that the state of the switchattribute is off, the first self-optimization function is disabled. 10.The device according to claim 7, when the processor is furtherconfigured to: send a setting result to the IRPManager.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to:receive a query command from the IRPManager that is used for queryingthe state of the switch attribute defined for the firstself-optimization function; and obtain the state of the switch attributedefined for the first self-optimization function; and return the stateof the switch attribute defined for the first self-optimization functionto the IRPManager.
 12. The device according to claim 7, wherein a readlimitation corresponding to each switch attribute indicates, for eachswitch attribute, whether a state of the switch attribute can bequeried, and a write limitation corresponding to each switch attributethat indicates, for each switch attribute, whether a state of the switchattribute can be set.
 13. A non-transitory computer readable mediumcomprising a program and an attribute list, wherein the attribute listcomprises switch attributes defined for self-optimization functions, andthe self-optimization functions comprise handover, load balancing,interference control, capacity and coverage, random access channeloptimization, and energy saving, and when the program is executed by aprocessor, the following steps are performed: obtaining, from aintegration reference point manager (IRPManager), a target state of afirst self-optimization function; and setting a state of a switchattribute defined for the first self-optimization function in theattribute list to the target state to control enabling or disabling ofthe first self-optimization function.
 14. The non-transitory computerreadable medium according to claim 13, wherein the switch attributesdefined for self-optimization functions comprise: selfOptHOFuncEnabled,selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled, selfOptCCFuncEnabled,selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabled.
 15. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium according to claim 13, in response todetermining that the state of the switch attribute is on, the firstself-optimization function is enabled, and in response to determiningthat the state of the switch attribute is off, the firstself-optimization function is disabled.
 16. The non-transitory computerreadable medium according to claim 13, wherein a read limitationcorresponding to each switch attribute indicates, for each switchattribute, whether a state of the switch attribute can be queried, and awrite limitation corresponding to each switch attribute that indicates,for each switch attribute, whether a state of the switch attribute canbe set.
 17. A system, comprising: an integration reference point manager(IRPManager); and an integration reference point agent (IRPAgent),wherein an attribute list is set on the IRPAgent, and the attribute listcomprises switch attributes defined for self-optimization functions, andthe self-optimization functions comprise handover, load balancing,interference control, capacity and coverage, random access channeloptimization, and energy saving, wherein the IRPAgent is configured to:obtain, from the IRPManager, a target state of a first self-optimizationfunction; and set a state of a switch attribute defined for the firstself-optimization function in the attribute list to the target state tocontrol enabling or disabling of the first self-optimization function.18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the switch attributesdefined for self-optimization functions comprise: selfOptHOFuncEnabled,selfOptLBFuncEnabled, selfOptICFuncEnabled, selfOptCCFuncEnabled,selfOptRACHFuncEnabled, and selfOptESFuncEnabled.
 19. The systemaccording to claim 17, wherein in response to determining that the stateof the switch attribute is on, the first self-optimization function isenabled, and in response to determining that the state of the switchattribute is off, the first self-optimization function is disabled. 20.The system according to claim 17, wherein a read limitationcorresponding to each switch attribute indicates, for each switchattribute, whether a state of the switch attribute can be queried, and awrite limitation corresponding to each switch attribute indicates, foreach switch attribute, whether a state of the switch attribute can beset.